South Wales Police and Gwent Police are to replace their pen and notebooks with smartphones.

The forces will use a new app called I-Patrol. This app allows offers to access police databases, identify individuals and collect evidence.

The app and smartphones will run on Vodafone’s 4G network. The forces believe the system could lead to a 10% increase in the time police spend on the streets, equating to an additional 436,000 hours per year.

Other features, including camera technology with direct links to police systems, will also help deliver investigative benefits and provide better evidence for court cases.

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Assistant Chief Constable Richard Lewis of South Wales Police said: “In situations where every second counts, it is vitally important that the technology and services we use are both responsive and reliable, if we are to continue to meet the challenges of 21st century policing.

“Technology is constantly changing and, despite the current financial challenges, we are committed to making best use of innovation to fight crime and keep our communities safe.

“Our officers now have more information at their fingertips than has ever been previously possible, and they can access and update this quickly, wherever they may be. We are confident that all our communities will benefit.”